Photo: Lee Ann Flynn
Find ticket information HERE.
Johnny Burgin Blues Revue w/ Ben Levin, Marie Martens & Joel Astley
Skokie Theater, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie
November 17, Thursday
Show: 7:30 p.m. Doors: 7 p.m. General Admission - $25
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Johnny Burgin
Johnny Burgin performs over two hundred shows a year regularly, internationally and coast to coast. Johnny grew up in Starkville, Mississippi and went to University of Chicago at 18, but ended up attending "blues university." Since the early 90's Johnny has toured and recorded with blues legends such as Pinetop Perkins, Sam Lay, Tail Dragger and Billy Boy Arnold as well as released ten of his own CDs. Johnny was nominated for a Blues Musical Award for Best Traditional Blues CD of 2017 for Howlin' at Greaseland, a Howlin' Wolf tribute. In addition to his own shows, he has found the time to share his experience with a younger generation of blues players. He was the guitar instructor at the Chicago Blues Network and at The Pinetop Perkins Workshop Experience in Clarksdale Mississippi, which counts among its alumni Grammy winner Kingfish Ingram and BMA nominee pianist Ben Levin. Johnny has also collaborated and championed international blues players on his latest release No Border Blues Japan: the first American compilation of the underground Japanese blues scene. Before Johnny Burgin struck out to the West Coast and points beyond, he was dubbed 'the working-est guitarist in Chicago'.
"Johnny's ego-free dedication to the music is refreshing. In a world where everyone wants to be a superstar, Johnny shines brightly." - Bill Wilson of Reflections in Blue
Ben Levin
Ben Levin is a 22 year old blues pianist/vocalist from Cincinnati, OH. Ben started playing professionally at age 11 with his father's band, the Heaters, and now plays 100+ gigs a year while attending the University of Cincinnati. Ben has played prestigious shows/events in the U.S. and around the world such as the Cincy Blues Fest, the LaRoquebrou (France) International Boogie and Blues Festival, Swing Wesplaar (Belgium), and the Joe Bonamassa Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Cruise in the Mediterranean. Ben has three releases to date on the Vizztone Label Group, and his 2019 release, Before Me, was nominated for a Blues Music Award. Ben's upcoming album will feature elder statesmen of the blues Bob Stroger, Lil' Ed, and Lil' Jimmy Reed, along with Delmark recording artist Johnny Burgin.
"Ben Levin is a remarkable musician, as his latest recording demonstrates, highlighting substantial progress in all aspects of his artistry." - Mark Thompson, Blues Music Magazine
Marie Martens
Marie Martens is a veteran of her native Stockholm blues scene. She came to the States in '06 and self-released her debut Travelled in 2019. Blues fans love her tone control— there's not a wasted note when she puts down the bass and lets loose on the slide guitar. Midwest Record stated, "she's forging her own path, way cool stuff!
Joel Astley (Blues Harp)
Joel was a visual artist for 20 years before abruptly switching to music ten years ago. Since starting his first band in 2014, he has been performing around The Pacific Northwest and beyond, and has quickly risen to be a local favorite. He has been recognized by the Washington Blues Society with music awards including Best Blues Harmonica 2018-2021, Best Male Vocalist 2019 & 2021, Best Songwriter 2020-2021, and several more. He recently recorded a debut CD slated for release in early '23. Recorded at the famed Greaseland Studios in San Jose, CA, the album features the “Keepin' the Blues Alive” award-winner Kid Andersen; Charlie Musselwhite's rhythm section of June Core and Randy Bermudes, and Johnny Burgin on guitar. "Joel you can write, you can play harp, and boy can you sing." - Leslie Fleury KSER Blues Odyssey DJ ##
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